Paragliding Rimmer Road

This site is located partway up Muriwai Beach on the West Coast, north of Auckland, approximately 55 km northwest of the city center. It is primarily used for paragliding in stronger wind conditions, with wind speeds ranging from 20-30 km/h. The site is accessible via a 4WD vehicle on the beach. The sand dunes run along the entire length of the beach, allowing for soaring when the wind conditions are right. The official takeoff point is approximately 30 meters to the north on the sand dunes, but most of the dunes offer suitable launch points. To get there, take State Highway 16 from the Northwestern Motorway and follow it almost to Helensville. Rimmer Road is several kilometers before Helensville on the left. Follow Rimmer Road through Woodhill Forest to the parking area just before the dunes. Access to the beach requires a 4WD vehicle. Landing is on the beach. The optimal wind directions for this site are southwest and west. The Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club (AHGPC) operates a weather station at Muriwai, which can be accessed here: https://holfuy.com/en/weather/168/. Mandatory notices include respecting access conditions and the fragile dune ecosystem. The site radio channel is Channel 20 - 476.900MHz. Restrictions for Hang Gliding: HG Beginner Restrictions for Paragliding: PG 2 Cautions: - The sand is only soft until you hit it hard. - Avoid getting blown back over the dunes. - Do not damage the fragile dune ecosystem. Airspace: Rimmer Road is within CTA/C with a flight ceiling of 2,500 ft ASL. Stay below this ceiling. Other Muriwai flying sites are within VFR Transit Lane T156 with a ceiling of 1,500 ft ASL. There is no access to airspace behind the cliffs as this is Whenuapai controlled airspace. Access Conditions: Woodhill Forest is privately owned by Ngati Whatua o Kaipara. Access over Rimmer Road is via a public easement, but Ngati Whatua o Kaipara retains the right to close the road at certain times. Always check and respect any landowner decrees. The section from the end of Rimmer Road over the dunes is also privately owned. No access to other parts of the forest. Respect the dunes and only take off from the official takeoff point. For more information on access conditions, visit: http://www.woodhillforest.co.nz/forest-notices/. Site Monitor: Stefan Sebregts - 027 225 2255 Site Achievements: Several hang gliding pilots have successfully soared back to Muriwai. Several paragliding pilots have soared from Muriwai to this site and back. For more detailed information, visit: https://www.cloudbase.org.nz/site-guide/flying-site-rimmer-road